Since the end of Fort Collins’ Occupancy Ordinance, commonly called U+2, the option to live with more than two unrelated individuals in the City of Fort Collins is now available. Use this page to familiarize yourself with what this change means in terms of living in Fort Collins. Below, find safety resources as well as tips about living in harmony with roommates and neighbors.
Occupancy History
What was U+2?
U+2 was an occupancy code in the City of Fort Collins that dated back to 1964. The code is nuanced, but in its simplest terms, stated that no more than three unrelated individuals may live together in a residential dwelling unit, or that a single family may have only one additional person in a residential dwelling with them.
Why is it no longer in place?
In 2024, the State of Colorado passed House Bill 24-1007. HB 24-1007 prohibits counties, cities, and municipalities from limiting the number of people who may live together in a single dwelling based on familial relationship, while allowing local governments to implement residential occupancy limits based only on:
- Demonstrated health and safety standards, such as international building code standards, fire code regulations, or Colorado department of public health and environment wastewater and water quality standards; or
- Local, state, federal, or political subdivision affordable housing program guidelines. (Colorado General Assembly)
HB24-1007 went into effect on July 1st, 2024, effectively ending the U+2 occupancy code in the City of Fort Collins.
Rental Safety for Housing Providers and Renters
Poudre Fire Authority:
Have questions about the International Fire Code? Visit https://www.poudre-fire.org/ for more information, or stop by the office at 102 Remington for support or to research a specific topic in the International Fire Code.
Do you have concerns about your rental property? Are you housing provider looking to get connected with resources?
Connect with Rental Housing (link) at the City of Fort Collins to register your rental property, request a rental inspection, and find resources for both renters and landlords.
If your lease doesn’t have a limit on occupancy stipulated within it, you might be curious about how to determine the number of roommates that works best for you. We recommend you consider the following questions to determine how many roommates fit your lifestyle:
How many people will be sharing bedrooms? How many people will be sharing bathrooms? How many people will be sharing the kitchen?
- We all have different preferences when it comes to sharing space. Whether you’d like to live with 10 people or 2 people, consider what questions you should be asking your roommates to ensure you’re all able to access the resources you need.
How much parking is available at the place of residence? Does it support the number of cars at the household?
- Pro-tip: Did you know about the City of Fort Collins’ Residential Parking Permit Program? In certain neighborhoods, there are limitations to the number of vehicles able to park on the street per residential dwelling. There are also costs associated with more than one vehicle registered to street park. Contact Parking Services at parkingservices@fcgov.com or 970-221-6617 with more questions regarding the RP3 program, if applicable where you live.
How many people/streaming services does your Wi-Fi support at once?
- While it’s important to us that you’re able to keep up with your favorite shows – it’s also important that you can access online educational materials. Consider if your Wi-Fi can support all of your roommates accessing online learning modules.
How many of you have pets/ESAs/service animals? Will they do well living together?
- Much like we would want to feel comfortable and safe in our homes, so do our furry friends. Your lease may or may not allow pets, but housing providers must allow ESAs and service animals to live in the residence. However, while you may be able to bring along your animals, consider if they would be as happy in the environment as you are.
How does this environment support your success – socially, academically, at work, etc.?
- Your holistic wellbeing matters. Having roommates can contribute to our social and emotional wellbeing in both positive and negative ways. Think about what you’d want out of your social, academic, and work life and plan for how your roommates may impact your goals.
Neighbors and Roommates
Neighbors
- The key to positive neighboring relationships is communication! Getting to know the people next door can feel awkward – but the least awkward time to introduce yourself is when you move in. We recommend introducing yourself, exchanging numbers, and introducing your neighbors to any pets you may have in the home as soon as you move in.
- Remember – you’re a Ram everywhere you go. We want your actions off-campus to represent CSU proudly, just as your actions on-campus should. The Student Resolution Center can follow up on off-campus behavior just as they would on-campus behavior. Check out Student Conduct Services to learn more about the student conduct process.
Roommates:
- Beyond the occupancy considerations above, you and your roommates should get to know each other’s living habits and lifestyles before signing your lease. Check out page 110 of the Student Handbook (link) to find a sample Roommate Agreement form to assist with this process.
- Having issues with roommate relationships? Conflict is a natural part of life, and the Student Resolution Center is here to help. Check out their Conflict Resolution Services to help navigate what you may be experiencing.
